WEST SPRINGFIELD - The annual Memorial Day parade is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. to around noon, which will see participants such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, marching from Veteran’s Field to the Town Common to honor veterans who died during combat.

“It’s a way to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the armed services,” said Michael A. Straite, director of the city's Department of Veterans’ Services.

Other participants who will be marching the roughly 1.4 miles during the parade include the Cub Scouts, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Girl Scouts, Springfield’s Army National Guard, and Westfield’s Marine Corps League.

“We’re also having various town departments between the DPW, the Fire Department, the Police Department,” he said. “The School Department will have the Middle and High School bands playing.”

There will be speeches from veterans of every war or conflict starting from World War II, up to current wars, he said.

On exhibition will also be the historic sword and suitcase of Lt. William A. Ashley, who fought and died during the Civil War, said Richard Kosinski, chairman of the Historical Commission.

“I know the Ashley name is a prominent name in West Springfield,” he said. “There is the Ashleyville area, which is along Riverdale Street, and there’s the Ashleyville Cemetery.”

A direct descendant of Lt. William A. Ashley will be speaking at the Memorial Day commemoration, said Straite.